Darik's Boot-and-Nuke (DBAN) Hard Disk Data Destruction - Usage Instructions
The one file needed to make a bootable floppy disk with the DBAN program is available from the SIUC FTP server (for on-campus users only), here:
ftp://ftp.siu.edu/drivewipe/x86/dban.exe.
An "ISO" version of this is also available in the same directory on the FTP server.
To get started using the program here at SIUC, download and save the DBAN.EXE file from the link above to your hard disk drive (the “Desktop” is a good location where it will be easy to find when needed) and double-click it to start the installation and disk creation process. The file is self-extracting, which means it will unpack all necessary files and begin the floppy disk creation process immediately upon opening it.
The rest of the distribution files, including the author's notes about advanced features and the GNU licensing information can be obtained from the Computer Support Center, 453-5155, or directly from the internet web site of the program author, http://dban.sourceforge.net/.
After downloading the file, double-click DBAN.EXE to start the process. You will be presented with an opening screen; click “OK” to continue. Place a formatted floppy disk in the floppy disk drive (the "A:" drive). The disk does have to be formatted, but does not necessarily have to be blank; you can re-use an old disk for this purpose so long as it has no errors or media damage on the magnetic surface. If the installation program detects that there are files on the disk, it will present you with a confirmation, to make sure you are not wiping out the data on an important floppy disk by mistake. If you are sure the disk is OK for this purpose, simply click the "Yes" button to continue. Be sure to use a disk that has nothing important on it, as any and all current information will be erased from the floppy disk. The program will start creating your bootable DBAN floppy disk.
After the disk creation program is finished, close any remaining installation dialogue boxes, and remove the disk from the floppy disk drive. It is ready for use.
BE CERTAIN TO CLEARLY LABEL THIS DISK. THIS PROGRAM SHOULD BE CONSIDERED TO BE DANGEROUS, AS IT WILL DESTROY THE DATA CONTAINED ON ANY HARD DISK DRIVE CONNECTED TO THE COMPUTER WHERE IT IS BOOTED! DO NOT LEAVE THIS DISK WHERE IT MIGHT BE INSERTED INADVERTENTLY INTO A WORKING MACHINE CONTAINING VALUABLE DATA! DESTROY THE DISK (REFORMAT OR DEGAUSS) AFTER YOU ARE FINISHED AND CREATE A NEW ONE IF THERE IS A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF TIME (MORE THAN A FEW DAYS) BETWEEN USES.
To begin wiping a computer, it must be plugged in, and have a monitor and keyboard attached. A mouse is optional. Place the DBAN bootable floppy disk in the A: floppy disk drive and turn the computer on. If the computer does not start from the floppy disk and goes immediately into the original hard disk installation, you will need to change the "BIOS" settings to allow it to start from the floppy drive. Check the computer manual that came with the system or the manufacturer's web site for instructions on how to access and modify this setting. If you need assistance, as always you can call the CSC, 453-5155. If there are problems with this procedure via the telephone, request a visit from the "TAC" team for the purpose of resetting the BIOS only. This service will be at no charge to your department. A fee will only be applied if the TAC team is requested to accomplish the rest of the disk wipe procedure.
Once the computer has been started with the DBAN disk, you will see a warning screen, with a “boot” prompt.
CAUTION!!! AFTER THIS POINT, THERE IS NO RECOVERY! BE ABSOLUTELY SURE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING!!!!!!!!
Type the following eight characters,
autonuke
and then press the “Enter” key to start the erasure process. The number of passes and the data destruction method are pre-chosen; no changes or settings need be made.Once you have confirmed the erasure by pressing the “Enter” key, the program will immediately begin to wipe data. Do not wait for this task to finish. It will be several hours at least before it completes; exactly how long depends upon the size and speed of the disk drive you are erasing.
Check back once in a while, after an hour or two has passed. If you are going to do this on any regular basis, you will soon get a “feel” for the program and be able to estimate fairly accurately how long it will take for any particular type of machine. The progress percentage indicator and pass number will give you a guide to the speed of any particular machine.
After the program finishes, you may simply power it off, affix the completed certification label (cellophane tape should be fine), and send the machine to it's final destination.